Mechanically adaptable projectile and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A mechanically adaptable projectile includes, in one example embodiment, a projectile body, the body including structure adapted to secure thereto one of multiple projectile components, and multiple projectile components each sized to be releasably secured to the projectile body, each of the multiple projectile components structurally dissimilar from all others of the multiple projectile components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Projectiles, such as bullets and missiles, may be fired from a varietyof delivery devices such as hand guns, rifles, rocket launchers, and thelike. Each projectile will have penetration, fracturing and othercharacteristics particular to that type and make of projectile. An enduser may purchase a projectile based on the penetration, fracturing andother characteristics of the projectiles available for sale. However,the end user is not able to customize projectiles to achieve particularcharacteristics as may be desired. There is a need, therefore, for aprojectile that may be mechanically adapted by an end user so as toachieve desired penetration, fracturing or other characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Mechanically Adaptable Projectile of the present invention can bepropelled from a cartridge, shell, or vessel by various means, toinclude but not limited to, explosion, air, spring, magnetic energy,vacuum, or gravity for the purpose of using the projectile for impactingobjects in applications similar to, but not limited to, hunting, lawenforcement use of force and tactics, target practice, self defense,firearms training and recreational shooting. The projectile willgenerally be created in the form and shape of a bullet, missile, orballistic projectile of many different dimensions to be used in firearmsand launching devices of a variety of styles to include, but not limitedto, rifled and smooth bore firearms, rail guns, tubes, and devices usedfor launching or firing projectiles. Using a series of Core ProjectileModule the manufacturer can customize the projectiles by adding oromitting Interchangeable Component that will alter the size, mass,shape, internal ballistics, external ballistics, and mechanicalcharacteristics of the projectile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exterior schematic view of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a mechanicallyadaptable projectile.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a mechanicallyadaptable projectile.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a mechanicallyadaptable projectile.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a mechanicallyadaptable projectile.

FIG. 10 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a mechanicallyadaptable projectile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Definition as used in this description include: Mechanics (Mechanically,Mechanical)—deals with the action of forces on the bodies and withmotion, comprised of kinetics, statics, and dynamics; ReactiveQualities—How the projectile reacts when striking a target medium;Mechanical Characteristics—The relationship of the reactive qualitiesand mechanics; and, Mechanical Design—Visible characteristics of thecomponent.

The present invention is novel in the ammunition and gun relatedindustry by introducing manufacturer and end user adaptability andcustomization to a range of projectiles that may be used in modernrifles, pistols, guns and other projectile launching devices.

A first embodiment includes a Core Projectile Module of variedmechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with a specificgravity no less than that of water and no more than 270 percent greaterthan that of water; tensile strength properties no less than 10,000pounds per square inch; compressive strength properties no less than10,000 pounds per square inch; and a coefficient of friction of no morethan 0.3. The Core Projectile Module is capable of being fitted withInterchangeable Components (See FIGS. 1-10, as will be discussed indetail below), or of being used as a projectile in many of its basicunaltered forms. The design of the Core Projectile Module may includevarying mechanical designs to facilitate a range of mechanicallyadaptable options depending on the intended use of the projectile. Inone embodiment, The Interchangeable Component may be added or omitted toalter the rate of fracturing. The Core Projectile Module has its ownmechanical qualities that may be altered by the InterchangeableComponent. Altering the rate of fracture will predictably alter thedepth of penetration and propagation of pressure waves upon impact witha given medium, therein maximizing the intensity of ballistic pressurewaves relative to a specified animal target; causing remote cerebraleffects as well as remote effects on the spine and internal organs of ananimal. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “hydrostatic shock.”The present invention is specifically designed to embody chosenqualities and characteristics to efficiently deliver a hydraulicreaction and explosive effects on tissue and organs. The InterchangeableComponents enable the manufacturer or the end user to customize theround to perform differently according to varying distances, varyingweights and varying hide thickness of different animals.

A second embodiment includes a Core Projectile Module of variedmechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with a specificgravity no less than that of water and no more than 270 percent greaterthan that of water, tensile strength properties no less than 10,000pounds per square inch, compressive strength properties no less than10,000 pounds per square inch, and a coefficient of friction of no morethan 0.3. The Core Projectile Module is capable of being fitted withInterchangeable Components (See FIGS. 1-10), or of being used as aprojectile in many of its basic unaltered forms. The design of the CoreProjectile Module may include varying mechanical designs to facilitate arange of mechanically adaptable options depending on the intended use ofthe projectile. The Core Projectile Module is specifically designed toembody chosen qualities and characteristics to propagate energyefficiently enough to induce ballistic shock waves through the targetmedium, causing the target medium to react violently to the ballisticpressure waves with or without the use of the InterchangeableComponents. The unique utilization of the described materials, variedmanufacturing and assembly methods, varied velocities, varied sizes, andvaried designs of Interchangeable Components enables the creation of awide variety of projectile design combinations. This novel feature willallow the manufacturer or end user to create a projectile thatefficiently and predictably penetrates and propagates energy intospecified target mediums. The manufacturer can alter a Core ProjectileModule by adding or omitting Interchangeable Components (see FIGS. 1-10)to achieve desired penetration and reactions between the projectile andthe intended non-animal target. Among other desirable outcomes, themanufacturer can create a projectile that prevents over penetration ofthe projectile through an intended target whether animal, vegetable orother materials, thus preventing it from striking unintended animals orthings that may be behind the intended target. The qualities of the CoreProjectile Module and Interchangeable Components, in their array ofconfigurations, enable the manufacturer or end user to create aprojectile that will efficiently fracture when striking a knownmaterial, which fracturing causes rapid propagation of pressure wavesinto the target, causing the materials to react violently to thepressure wave. The projectile pulverizes building materials commonlyused in constructing walls in buildings. This may cause significantdamage and flying debris within the room beyond the wall. This is adesirable condition in instances of covering fire and suppression fireused by law enforcement and military. It is also desirable that theprojectiles used in covering fire be of the type that reduces theincidents of over penetration. Current projectiles used in conventionalfirearms, in this kind of situation, present a significant risk of overpenetrating and striking a subject or object beyond the wall structure.

A third embodiment includes a Core Projectile Module of variedmechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with a specificgravity no less than that of water and no more than 270 percent greaterthan that of water, tensile strength properties no less than 10,000pounds per square inch, compressive strength properties no less than10,000 pounds per square inch, and a coefficient of friction no morethan 0.3. A Core Projectile Module manufactured from the specifiedmaterials will have a bearing surface with a low friction coefficientenabling it to pass down the barrel of a rifle or gun more easily, whichlowers heat and pressure within the barrel, enabling higher muzzlevelocities and faster external ballistic speed passing through the air,while simultaneously reducing recoil relative to the caliber and mass ofthe projectile and the powder charge. These material characteristicsenable the projectile to achieve higher flight speeds than previous artmade from materials with a higher friction coefficient and an equalballistic coefficient.

A fourth embodiment includes an Interchangeable Component (See FIGS.1-10) which may be made from numerous materials including but notlimited to copper, brass, aluminum, ceramics and polymers.Interchangeable Components may be designed to interchange with a varyingrange of calibers and designs of Core Projectile Module of previouslydiscussed embodiments. The Interchangeable Component may allow themanufacturer or the end user to alter the size, mass, shape, and styleof the projectile for the purpose of customizing the internal andexternal ballistics of the Mechanically Adaptable Projectile accordingto the materials or specified medium the projectile will be striking.The Interchangeable Component may be added or omitted to facilitate apredictable rate of fracturing, penetration and propagation of pressurewaves upon impact with a specified medium, therein maximizing theintensity of ballistic pressure waves. The optional InterchangeableComponent may alter the mechanical characteristics of a projectile.Altering the rate of fracture may change the propagation of ballisticpressure waves and depth of penetration of the projectile into aspecified medium. The ability to alter the reactive characteristics ofthe projectile may enable the user to customize the rounds for a desiredeffect on a specified target medium.

In a fifth embodiment, the mechanical characteristics of the projectileare affected by the techniques used in manufacturing, such as utilizingspecified materials, pressures and heat to enable differentmanufacturing techniques. Each unique manufacturing method will be usedto predictably alter the mechanical characteristics of the variouscomponents comprising a Mechanically Adaptable Projectile, therebyaltering the characteristics of the pressure wave that is introducedinto the specified target upon impact of the projectile. The methodsinclude, but are not limited to, injection molding, blow molding,rotational molding, extrusion molding, lathe/mill machining, andstamping. The chosen method of manufacturing alters the performance ofthe projectile in a predictable and marketable manner. This enables amanufacturer to use the same material and change the marketablecharacteristics of the end product by altering the method ofmanufacturing and not changing the physical design or type of material.For example, a projectile of identical style, shape and size can havetwo distinct mechanically functional qualities if one is made through amachine lathe process and another is made by an injection moldingprocess. This manufacturer design flexibility allows adjustment of thenumber of mechanical characteristics for a projectile of identical size,style and shape.

A sixth embodiment a Core Projectile Module includes varied mechanicaldesigns and calibers that utilizes materials with a specific gravity noless than water and no more than 270 percent greater than that of water,tensile strength properties no less than 10,000 pounds per square inch,compressive strength properties no less than 10,000 pounds per squareinch, and a coefficient of friction of no more than 0.3. The uniqueutilization of the specified range and combination of materials, variedvelocities, varied sizes, varied mass and varied mechanical designs of aCore Projectile Module enables the manufacturer to create a projectilethat efficiently and predictably propagates ballistic pressure wavesinto specified targets. The rapid fracturing causes the energy from theprojectile to rapidly propagate into the animal being impacted by theprojectile. This reduces the depth of wound channels. There is a directconnection to the depth of the wound channel and the amount of traumaticvascular tearing. In other words, the present invention allows the enduser to choose components of a projectile so as to provide a desireddepth of projectile channel upon impact. Previous art relies on vascularinjuries and blood loss to increase their incapacitative capabilities.More vascular tearing requires more significant surgical repairs toprevent blood loss. This present invention allows the manufacturer tocreate a projectile that relies on ballistic pressure waves and remotecerebral effects from ballistic pressure waves that shock the systeminto incapacitation, rather than vascular injuries and blood loss. Bydesign this projectile will penetrate less and therefore create lessvascular tearing associated with a wound channel, thus decreasing thesurgical complexity of repairing vascular injuries related to a woundchannel. This present invention, therefore, departs from the prior artby changing the mechanism of incapacitation from vascular tearing andtrauma, which causes massive bleeding, to relying primarily on ballisticshock waves that cause remote cerebral effects as well as remote effectson the spine and internal organs of an animal. This phenomenon iscommonly known as “hydrostatic shock.” Each of the mechanisms ofincapacitation has their lethal concerns, but incapacitation byhydrostatic shock may provide more minutes for medical intervention,thereby increasing combat effectiveness while pushing back the margin oflethality.

In a seventh embodiment, the Interchangeable Components can be assembledonto or into a Core Projectile Module using ultrasonic welding. Thismethod of manufacturing is unique to the manufacturing of projectiles.No known prior art utilizes this assembly process to alter theperformance of a projectile. Ultrasonic welding of InterchangeableComponents to the Core Projectile Module enables press fitting ofprecision Interchangeable Components of varying materials to the CoreProjectile Module, forming a precision projectile such that theprojectile will withstand the extreme pressures of gun barrels, rifling,and flight through air, additionally affecting how the specifiedcomponents react with each other upon impact. The fit tolerance of theInterchangeable Component to the Core Projectile Module alters themechanical characteristics of the entire projectile by pre-stressing orcompressing the Core Projectile Module. As the tolerances change frominterference fit to varying press fit tolerances, the interaction ofindividual components upon each other changes as the mechanicalinteraction of each component is altered by the tightness of the fittolerance. The mechanics of fracturing upon impact will change based onthe fit tolerances of the Interchangeable Component to the CoreProjectile Module. The ballistic pressure waves propagate through thetarget differently based on changes in the fracturing characteristics ofthe projectile when impacting a specified target. Also, the varied fittolerances will alter the reactive qualities of the projectile based onthe manner in which impact energy propagates through the projectile uponstriking a specified target medium. That in turn alters how the pressurewave propagates from the projectile into the target being impacted bythe projectile. This produces desirable and predictable qualities in aprojectile that are identifiable and marketable. The use of ultrasonicwelding is unusual in the bullet manufacturing industry and is novel andunique to the utility of this art.

In an eighth embodiment, the Interchangeable Component (see FIGS. 1-10)can be fitted inside of the Core Projectile Module, or on the outside ofthe Core Projectile Module. This enables the Mechanically AdaptableProjectile to be customized to withstand extreme barrel pressures,rifling friction, and extreme velocities as well as preloading stress onthe Core Projectile Module. The projectile may also be customized byaltering the internal structures to change the rate of fracturing uponimpact.

In a ninth embodiment, the interchangeable Component can be added oromitted to the Core Projectile Module to reduce the friction coefficientand mass. This will enable the manufacturing of low recoil cartridgesand safe rounds for indoor ranges and other target applications. It willalso optimize the projectile's ability to fly through the air for longrange shooting (see FIGS. 1-10). The ability to alter the external andinternal ballistics of the Core Projectile Module enables themanufacturer or the end user to customize the projectile to accommodatedifferent shooters or different launching mechanisms requiring similarcalibers but utilizing varied pressures.

In a tenth embodiment, the Interchangeable Component can be added to oromitted from the Core Projectile Module (see FIGS. 9-10) to alter thestyle of the tip, ogive, base, heal, meplat, or bearing surface of theprojectile (see FIG. 1). The Interchangeable Components may include, butare not limited to, various metal tips, polymer tips, varied hollowpoint tips, boat tails, flat bases, varied bearing surfaces with varyingfriction coefficients, as well as many other alterations to the basicCore Projectile Module.

In an eleventh embodiment, the Interchangeable Component can be added tothe Core Projectile Component to change the length, shape, mass, flightcharacteristics, rifling twist requirements and specific density of theprojectile.

In a twelfth embodiment, the Interchangeable Component can be added tothe Core Projectile Module to optimize the projectile to match thebarrel twist of a firearm.

In a thirteenth embodiment the adaptable qualities of a givenMechanically Adaptable Projectile can be changed after the cartridge isfully completed without removing the projectile from the casing.

The Core Projectile Module will now be described. Prior art projectilesmay include a clad projectile which may have an exterior shape (FIG. 1)similar to the exterior shape of inventive projectile 10 (FIG. 3). Onemay note that the inventive projectile may include many similarities inoutward appearance to a prior art projectile (FIG. 1). In the embodimentshown, projectile 10 includes three major features, an end 22, a body 32and a nose 12. Additional nomenclature includes a tip 13, bearingsurface 14, head or ogive 16, meplat 18, heel 20, base 22, boat tail ortail 24, cannelure 26 and shoulder 28. This inventive projectile is oneamongst many mechanical designs of projectile or missles 10 which may bemanufactured (FIG. 3). Even though the external shape of the inventiveprojectile may look similar to the shape of the prior art projectile, inthe Mechanically Adaptable Projectile components can be adapted by themanufacturer or the end user to facilitate the adaptation of theinternal and external ballistics of the projectile. In particular, theend user may opt not to alter the Core Projectile Module as manufacturedif it already meets the requirements of the end user or themanufacturer. However, the end user or manufacturer may insert anInterchangeable Component into the nose (hollow point) to alter thedepth, mass, shape of the tip, or apply an Interchangeable Componet tothe exterior to alter the size (caliber), friction coefficient of thebearing surface, the length or aerodynamic shape of the projectile.These abilities also enable the end user to adapt the projectile to theoptimal riffling twist and other stabilization features relative to thedistance it will need to travel and the medium it will be striking. Thisenables the projectile's mechanical qualities to be adapted to the needsor intent of the manufacturer or user, whether the projectile is beingused by military or law enforcement to provide covering fire, breachinga door, shooting an animal, target shooting (indoor or outdoor), or byothers who may be teaching a new shooter by using reduced recoil roundsin a specific gun until the new shooter learns how the gun functions, orother non military or law enforcement applications.

Prior art projectiles may include toxic materials as their basecomponent, whereas the new Mechanically Adaptable Projectile utilizes anon toxic polymer that reduces complications of soil contamination andrisk to pregnant shooters. The low friction coefficient of the CoreProectile Module (FIG. 2) will reduce barrel wear and enables highervelocities compared to old art with a similar ballistic coefficient. TheCore Projectile Module example shown in FIG. 2 is one of many potentialmechanical designs. An example was lathe turned, but may be manufacturedby other means to include, but not limited to, injection molding, blowmolding, rotational molding, extrusion molding, hydro forming, andstamping. The method of manufacturing depends on the mechanicalcharacteristics desired.

A Core Projectile Module impact analysis will now be described. When theCore Projectile Module strikes a medium with lower specific gravity thanwater, the depth of penetration is deeper than in mediums with aspecific gravity of water or greater. This is a predictable quality dueto the specifications of the material, manner it is manufactured,combination of mechanical qualities and internal and externalballistics. The adaptability of the inventive projectile enables thechanging or adding of Interchangeable Components to the Core ProjectileModule by the end user or manufacturer for the purpose of adapting themechanical qualities, thus altering the propagation of ballisticpressure waves, such as by altering the Core Projectile Module by addingInterchangeable Components with varying specific gravities, frictioncoefficients and shapes.

For example, when viewing a hole in a material, such as a piece of wood,through which a projectile has traveled, the shape of the hole mayindicate that there is a slight projectile instability with the rifleused. The inventive projectile could be used with such a rifle andfitted with an Interchangeable Component that alters the overallspecific gravity of the projectile thereby causing stabilized rotationof the projectile fired from that particular rifle. In this manner, theuser of the particular rifle could adapt the projectiles fired from hisrifle to provide a more stable projectile travel path from the rifle.

In another example of use, a material, such as a piece of wood, may showsplitting on the backside of the board around the projectile path of theinventive projectile. The board may be split in a conical patternoutward from the centerline of the projectile path. At the center of thepressure pattern there may be more crushing of the wood material as thepressure wave propagates through the wood. The depth of the damage alongthe centerline of the projectile's path may be deeper and growsshallower as the pressure wave propagates outward from the centerline.This demonstrates how the building material violently reacted to theballistic pressure wave which results in crushing and fragmenting of thematerial from the inventive projectile. A typical projectile path of theinventive projectile through a medium will show a widening damage pathas the ballistic pressure wave propagates through the wood.

The Specific Gravity, Projectile Fracturing, and Ballistic Pressure WavePropagation properties will now be described.

When a ballistic pressure wave impacts an object with a specific gravitynearly equal to that of water, the crushed particles from the mediumwill ride on the pressure wave as it blows back toward the directionfrom which the projectile originated. In one test conducted on theinventive projectile, the remaining particles from a Core ProjectileModule that was fired into a wood medium were examined. The originalCore Projectile Module weighed 151 grains (0.345 ounces). The recoveredfragments from the Core Projectile Module weighed 11 grains (0.025ounces). Such an efficient fracturing and crushing of the CoreProjectile Module enables efficient propagation of ballistic pressurewaves through the medium.

In one embodiment including a Core Projectile Module with the additionof an Interchangeable Component, the Interchangeable Component isdesigned to delay the fragmentation of the Core Projectile Module,allowing the projectile to enter the medium more deeply beforefragmenting and propagating the ballistic pressure wave into the medium.The Interchangeable Component is altering the mass, tip, meplat, ogive,ballistic coefficient and overall length of the projectile. All of thesechanges combine to alter the mechanical characteristics, externalballistics and internal ballistics of the projectile when it impactsvarying mediums. The end user or the manufacturer is able to adapt theprojectile to optimize specific qualities depending on the use of theprojectile.

Additionally, in a particular embodiment, the components are latheturned from Delrin® 150E and 6061 T6 aluminum. This provides for knownductility of the material components, thereby creating a predictable,marketable quality. Annealing one or both of the components will alterthe ductility of the components. This can be done before assembling oras an assembled projectile. Changing the ductility of one or both of thecomponents provides a change in fracturing characteristics, which inturn provides a predictable performance change in the MechanicallyAdaptable Projectile. Also, the predictable performance of this exactconfiguration can be altered by changing the method of manufacture,thereby increasing the applications of a single mechanical design by thenumber of alternate manufacturing methods.

In an embodiment where the projectile is machine lathed instead ofutilizing injection molding and investment casting, the fit tolerancesof the Interchangeable Component (such as 6000 series T6 aluminum with asharp point and small meplat) can be altered from interference fit tovarying degrees of press fit. By increasing the tightness of the fit,the manufacturer can preload stress on the Core Projectile Module. Thiswill reduce the amount of impact needed to cause the Core ProjectileModule to fracture, thereby reducing the amount of velocity needed tocause the necessary fracturing for efficient release of ballisticpressure waves into the target object. This in turn enables the use ofthe projectile in low recoil scenarios and low efficiency barrels. Thus,the inventive projectile enables the use of an identical mechanicaldesign in a greater array of applications while maximizing efficiency.The use of an Ultrasonic Welder will enable the manufacturer to maximizethe limits the projectile can be pre-stressed for this application.

FIG. 2 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into theCore Projectile Module 32 reduces the size of the hollow point 34,having a diameter 35 of the cavity within the hollow point, and,depending on material changes mass and depending on fit tolerance, canbe used to preload stress on the projectile 10 to alter reactivequalities upon impact. It will also increase the size of the meplat 18and will alter the length of the projectile. Inserting anInterchangeable Component 30 into the nose of the Core Projectile Module32 changes the nose 12, ogive 16 and meplat 18.

FIG. 3 shows a Core Projectile Module 32 having an interior cavity 36for receiving a Interchangeable Component 30 (FIG. 2), such as a hollowpoint 34 (FIG. 2), whereas cavity 36 has a smaller diameter 40 than acavity 36 of component 32 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into the base22 of the Core Projectile Module 32. Changing the base 22, shoulder 28(FIG. 2), length 42 (FIG. 3) and mass of projectile 10. Depending on thefit tolerance, this insertion method of component 30 can preload stresson a portion of the projectile to alter its reactive qualities uponimpact.

FIG. 5 shows insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 to alter thetip 12 so that it is pointed, thereby altering the size of the meplat 18and the ogive 16 of projectile 10. This Interchangeable Component 30 canbe made of a material that alters the mass of the projectile. It canalso have a fit tolerance that preloads stress by pressing outward onthe projectile; thereby changing the reactive qualities of theprojectile upon impact.

FIG. 6 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into theCore Projectile Module 32 reducing the size of the hollow point 36 and,depending on material changes mass and depending on fit tolerance, canbe used to preload stress on the projectile 10 to alter reactivequalities upon impact. It will also alter the size of the hollow point36 without altering the length of the projectile.

FIG. 7 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into theCore Projectile Module 32 may alter the nose 12 and the size of thehollow point 34 and, depending on material changes mass and fittolerance, can be used to preload stress on the projectile 10 to alterreactive qualities upon impact. It will also alter the shape of theshoulder 18 while adding to the length of the projectile 10.

FIG. 8 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into theCore Projectile Module 32 may increase the size of the tip 12 whilereducing or eliminating the hollow point and, depending on materialchanges mass and fit tolerance, can be used to preload stress on theprojectile 10 to alter reactive qualities upon impact. It will alsoalter the shoulder 18 while adding to the length of the projectile.

FIG. 9 shows an Interchangeable Component 32 being fitted to the outsideof the Core Projectile Module 30. The Interchangeable Component 32 maybe sized to have an external diameter 46 greater than, equal to, or lessthan the external diameter 44 of the Core Projectile Module 30.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of an Interchangeable Component 30 beingfitted to the outside of the Core Projectile Module 32. TheInterchangeable Component 30 may be fitted to the Core Projectile Module32 by any means, such as press fit, adhesive, or welding, for example.

In the above description numerous details have been set forth in orderto provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced using other equivalent designs.

I claim:
 1. A method of manufacturing a projectile, comprising:providing a projectile body, said body including an aperture adapted toreceive therein one of multiple projectile components; inserting aprojectile component into said aperture of said projectile body; andreleasably securing said component to said body.
 2. The projectile ofclaim 1 wherein said body has a specific gravity at least equal to aspecific gravity of water and less than 270% greater than a specificgravity of water.
 3. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said body has atensile strength of at least 10,000 pounds per square inch.
 4. Theprojectile of claim 1 wherein said body has a compressive strength of atleast 10,000 pounds per square inch.
 5. The projectile of claim 1wherein said body has a coefficient of friction of no more than 0.3. 6.The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body includes anexterior bearing surface and a base region and wherein said projectilecomponent includes a nose and defines a meplat.
 7. The projectile ofclaim 1 wherein said projectile body includes a nose and defines ameplat and wherein said projectile component includes a base region. 8.The projectile of claim 1 wherein projectile body includes an exteriorbearing surface and wherein said projectile component includes a base, anose and defines a meplat.
 9. The projectile of claim 1 wherein saidprojectile component includes a hollow interior region.
 10. The methodof claim 1 wherein said projectile component is chosen to have aspecific gravity that is equal to a specific gravity of a medium intowhich the projectile will be fired.
 11. The method of claim 1 whereinsaid projectile component is chosen to have a specific gravity that willmaximize a ballistic pressure waves created by said projectile uponimpact with a medium into which the projectile will be fired.
 12. Amechanically adaptable projectile set, comprising: a projectile body,said body including an aperture adapted to receive therein one ofmultiple projectile components; multiple projectile components eachsized to be releasably received within said aperture of said projectilebody, each of said multiple projectile components structurallydissimilar from all others of said multiple projectile components. 13.The projectile set of claim 12 wherein said multiple projectilecomponents include a first projectile component including a solidelongate body having a projectile nose, a second projectile componentincluding a hollow elongate body having a projectile nose, and a thirdprojectile component including an elongate body having a projectilebase.
 14. The projectile set of claim 12 wherein said first, second athird projectile components each have a unique specific gravity.
 15. Theprojectile set of claim 12 wherein each of said multiple projectilecomponents may be positioned within and removed from said projectilebody aperture prior to filing of said projectile body from a projectilelauncher.
 16. The projectile set of claim 12 claim 1 wherein said bodyhas a specific gravity at least equal to a specific gravity of water andless than 270% greater than a specific gravity of water, wherein saidbody has a tensile strength of at least 10,000 pounds per square inch,wherein said body has a compressive strength of at least 10,000 poundsper square inch, and wherein said body has a coefficient of friction ofno more than 0.3.
 17. A mechanically adaptable projectile set,comprising: a projectile body, said body including structure adapted tosecure thereto one of multiple projectile components; multipleprojectile components each sized to be releasably secured to saidprojectile body, each of said multiple projectile componentsstructurally dissimilar from all others of said multiple projectilecomponents.
 18. The projectile set of claim 17 wherein said multipleprojectile components include a first projectile component including asolid elongate body having a projectile nose, a second projectilecomponent including a hollow elongate body having a projectile nose, athird projectile component including an elongate body having a noseregion and an external diameter equal to an external diameter of saidprojectile body, and a fourth projectile component including an elongatebody having an external diameter larger than an external diameter ofsaid projectile body.
 19. The projectile set of claim 17 wherein one ofsaid projectile components is secured to said projectile body byultrasonic welding.
 20. The projectile set of claim 17 wherein one ofsaid projectile components includes at least one of a metal nose, apolymer nose, a hollow point nose, a boat tail, a flat base, and abearing surface.